Our Community

Our Community

Canberra Youth Theatre has an extensive community filled with artists, family members, alumni and supporters.

Why do you love CYT?

Jade loves CYT because she gets to create and have her ideas heard, she loves the amazing people at CYT, she feels like she belongs, she feels valued. She has also loved performing in some amazing CYT projects. I love that she gets to hang out with a diverse group of kids who challenge and inspire each other. I really can’t say enough good things about Canberra Youth Theatre. I am really grateful that this program is available and we found out about it, I can’t imagine Jade not being part of CYT, she just loves it so much! I love the energy and passion that all the staff at CYT share with the kids, I couldn’t ask for better role models for my daughter – Cathy, parent.

I love CYT because it is a professionally run organisation that delivers high quality programs for its members. CYT has excellent administration and communication. In addition, I love CYT because of the diverse expertise and experience that the CYT community brings. CYT offers a range of different disciplines and is always striving to do more, be better and isn’t afraid to try something new. Great characteristics that are demonstrated through actions to their members/students – Kate, parent.

Canberra Youth Theatre holds great value to me as the foundation of my training as an emerging artist, contributing largely to why I can call myself an Australian Actor. I first came across the CYT Family, or my tribe – in search of a local training that was beyond what our school curriculums are able to offer. As a high school student with no further experience in the industry, I was suddenly in a room of like-minded youth who were being treated differently. No, I don’t mean like adults… but as intelligent youth! Directors/tutors recognised our ages and all that comes with it (including school assessments and commitments) and STILL wholeheartedly valued our ideas, encouraged taking risks and in turn created a nurturing environment to thrive in – Zufi, alumni

CYT has been like a second family for me, starting with workshops and then moving into the productions and especially being a part of the Company Ensemble has really helped me grow as not only an artist but also a person. I’ve explored areas of drama I never even thought about and have had huge revelations and breakthroughs with my craft and personal life through the tasks I’ve done with CYT – Mia, artist and Ambassador

Why would you recommend CYT?

It is an environment where young people can express themselves in a creative and professional manner. The transferable skills that are being taught will help your child in many aspects of their lives – Inge, parent

I have and will continue to recommend CYT for all of the reasons above. If your child loves theatre, not just acting but all the varied disciplines of theatre, this is the place for them! In addition would recommend CYT because it accepts and champions diversity; is a safe environment where all members are welcome, valued and included; and there is an expectation of the tutors and members to behave in line with these principles – Kate, parent

To all parents and students – It’s simple; it’s a second family. I felt safe, happy and like I belonged. It is truly a treasure to have CYT in our capital, a place where you are taught by highly qualified and empathetic tutors who encourage you to thrive off your passion, make life long friends, a willingness to grow and learn, have an educated opinion, to take massive risks and most of all have fun doing what you love! CYT encouraged the notion that there was no reason why we could not think, imagine and create on the same scale as the adults we saw in big theatres – Zufi, alumni

I cannot emphasise enough how important an organisation like CYT is for young people on the threshold of untangling their own identities – Kate, tutor and designer

What makes CYT different?

It’s not necessarily about performing, it’s about the creative process, having a voice or an opinion as well as listening to other people’s point of view, no matter how young you are. The Butoh Project, The 24 Hour Play Project and Imaginarium were all wonderful creative projects, to be a part of CYT really challenges people from a young age and exposes them to so many different kinds of theatre – Cathy, parent

Yarno has grown in to a confident 15 year old, supports his peers, has respect for himself and others, works collaboratively and is a great team worker due to what he has learned over the years at CYT. He was able to become more of a leader and this year school captain at his highschool – Yolanda, parent

CYT offers a point of difference to other opportunities for young performers because it focuses on building capabilities in all aspects of theatre – acting, writing, directing, design, tech, the list goes on – Kate, parent

CYT is the only theatre company I have found in Canberra that actively presents and really values a youth voice. This is created through the volume of original and adapted work that CYT puts on. All of which, whilst being led by highly skilled directors, involve a highly collaborative process between the actors and director to create the productions. Which as a performer is invaluable, really pushing me to engage with what is happening on stage and how it reflects our world today – Kitty, artist and tutor